Latest on the hostage exchange in Gaza: Israeli hostage kisses Hamas fighters on the forehead before being released
The final hostages to be released under the ceasefire agreement in Gaza have been handed over by Hamas to Red Cross officials. One of the released hostages kissed Hamas fighters on the forehead as a gesture of support before being transferred to the Israeli side by Red Cross vehicles.
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Hamas has released six more Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement reached with Israel. Israel is expected to return 602 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the 6 hostages. During a press announcement organized by Hamas with the hostages, one of the released Israeli hostages, Omer Shem Tov, bid farewell by kissing one of the Al-Qassam Brigades fighters on the forehead. During the handover in Nuseirat, Tov and the other hostages addressed the crowd. After kissing the Hamas militants on the forehead, Tov also blew kisses to the Palestinians gathered in front of the stage.
Among the latest hostages released, in addition to 22-year-old Tov, were 27-year-old Eliya Cohen and 23-year-old Omer Wenkert. The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross at a ceremony held in Nuseirat, in central Gaza. Children wearing T-shirts featuring photos of Hamas leaders also appeared on stage during the ceremony.
According to Al Jazeera's report, Tov interacted with Hamas fighters while being released and blew a kiss toward the crowd. It was observed that the general condition of the hostages was better than those released previously. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the hostages were brought into the country after being handed over to the Israeli military by the Red Cross.
The US news organization CNN reported the footage of Tov kissing the Hamas fighters on the forehead, suggesting that the hostages' 'mental state was impaired.' The handover of the hostages to the Israeli side took place after this CNN report. The hostages have not yet undergone an examination to determine their mental and physical health.
HAMAS WILL NOT RELEASE 63 HOSTAGES
Among the hostages returned to Israel today, 40-year-old Tal Shoham and 38-year-old Avera Mengistu were released in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Shoham was abducted from the Be'eri kibbutz on October 7, 2023. Mengistu, on the other hand, was captured by Hamas in 2014 and brought to Gaza.
It is stated that Hamas still holds 63 Israeli hostages. The Israeli government has pointed out that at least 32 of these hostages may be dead. It is also estimated that the soldier Hadar Goldin, who has been held since 2014, is dead.
The first phase of the ceasefire agreement will be completed with Israel's release of 602 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas noted that in the next phase of the ceasefire, it is ready to hand over all remaining hostages, whether alive or dead, at once in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza.
THE FUTURE OF THE CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT
Israeli and Hamas officials met in Qatar to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire. While no clear result emerged from the meetings, it was announced that negotiations would continue.
US President Donald Trump stated last week that Saturday was the 'final date' for the release of all hostages. Trump said that if all hostages were not released, 'all hell would break loose.' Emphasizing that all decisions to be made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Gaza would be supported by the US, Trump also demanded that Gaza be handed over to the US.
On the other hand, Hamas announced that the ceasefire agreement had been canceled following Trump's statements. Hamas later stated that it would remain committed to the prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement after mediator countries informed them that they would ensure Israel fulfills its obligations under the agreement.
According to Al-Monitor's report, despite pausing its attacks in Gaza, Israel has launched operations targeting the West Bank. It was noted that approximately 40 thousand Palestinians have been displaced since January 19 in areas of the West Bank where Israeli soldiers have destroyed civilian infrastructure.
In the second phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Israeli soldiers are required to withdraw completely from the Gaza regions they occupy. Israel has not taken any steps in this direction so far. Netanyahu avoided giving a clear answer to questions from journalists about whether attacks on Gaza would continue.